I refuse to believe that if Bush had lost the first and second counts he would have relied on lawsuits and any other possible means to win.
You're absolutely right. That's because most Republicans don't know what it's like to be treated unfairly. The party (predominantly - not exclusively, but predominantly) represents the rich, the white, and the male.
Being white and male myself (rich? maybe back in March .. ;) ) I don't know what it's like to be forced to stand at the back of a bus because of the color my skin. I don't know what it's like to be convicted of a crime and given a harsher penalty than someone else just because I looked different. I don't know what it's like to be "mistakenly" told the polls were closed on my way after work, or to be conveniently pulled over for speeding and detained on my way to vote.
None of this has ever happened to me, and probably ever will, because I am a privileged person. But the moment I pretend that I am not enjoying special privileges over others, that people out there aren't losing their personal freedoms every day, and that I may very well be enjoying my privileges because they are not, I become either completely naive, or a self-centered jackass. It is my duty to make things right when I can. And if I had the power to make sure that everyone's vote was counted equally in the Florida state election - late or not late, partially dimpled chad or not - I would. George Bush would not.
I have no respect for a political party that advances the interests of those whose interests need no advancement, under the pretense of something noble and at the expense of the downtrodden.
This point of view may make me unpopular on a thread of wealthy traders who probably support Republican economic policy ;) but I stand by it.
-G |
